معرفی
Dalia Aiello is an Associate Professor of Plant Pathology (AGR/05) at the Department of Agriculture, Food and Environment (Di3A), University of Catania, Italy. Since 2024, she has held this permanent academic rank, following a decade of postdoctoral research, fixed-term contracts, and national qualification as an associate professor in 2017.
Education
- PhD in Plant Pathology, University of Catania, 2009
- Master degree (5 years) in Agriculture Science and Technologies, University of Catania, 2005
- National Scientific Qualification (ASN) as Associate Professor in Plant Pathology, 2017
Research Interests
Dalia Aiello’s research spans the characterisation, pathogenicity and control of fungal and bacterial plant pathogens. Her work delves into emerging diseases caused by genera such as Neofusicoccum, Calonectria, Diaporthe, Botryosphaeriaceae, Fusarium and Phytophthora. A second major strand is the development of biological control strategies and reduced-impact disinfestation techniques for soil and substrates, aimed at sustainable crop protection in Mediterranean environments. She also investigates antifungal and antibacterial compounds as alternatives to copper, and explores interactions between ambrosia beetles and their fungal associates.
Research Output & Trends
Over 120 peer-reviewed publications (ISI/Scopus) document an impressive sequence of first reports of new pathogens and novel disease complexes. Recent papers (2021–2024) highlight a shift toward integrative studies combining high-resolution molecular diagnostics with field evaluation of biocontrol agents, especially Bacillus amyloliquefaciens-based formulations against citrus mal secco. A clear trend is the expansion from ornamental nurseries to major fruit crops (citrus, mango, avocado, pistachio) and forest ecosystems, reflecting the increasing impact of climate-driven pathogen emergence.
Scientific Awards
- 2012 SIPaV Award – Most Deserving Young Researcher, XVIII National Congress
- 2016 SIPaV Award – Most Deserving Young Researcher, XXII National Congress
Teaching & Supervision
Since 2021 she has been course leader for:
- “Plant Pathology” – BSc Agricultural Sciences & Technologies
- “Biological Control of Plant Diseases” – MSc Agricultural Sciences & Technologies
- “Plant Protection” – MSc Agricultural Sciences & Technologies
She also coordinates practical laboratories, delivers specialised modules in viticulture, and has served as tutor or co-tutor for PhD students in the Doctoral Programme in Agricultural, Food and Environmental Science (cycles XXXIV-XXXVII).
Laboratory & Collaborations
Her research group operates within the Plant Pathology Section of Di3A, maintaining active collaborations with international institutes such as the Westerdijk Fungal Biodiversity Institute (Netherlands), the University of California Davis, CNR-ISPA Bari, and multiple European partners in Horizon 2020 projects (e.g., Organic-PLUS).
